Apple's New Patent Exposure: About The Process Of Creating Texture On The Surface Of Titanium Alloy
Recently, Apple has been granted another related patent. This patent authorization describes a process for creating a textured surface on titanium alloy. It is reported that an Apple patent last year showed that the company is exploring the possibility of building titanium alloy iPhone, iPad and MacBook.
Apple currently provides titanium alloy Apple Watch, and has also provided titanium alloy laptops in the past: PowerBook G4. This product was sold from 2001 to 2003 and was later replaced by an aluminum model.
In its original state, the surface of titanium alloy is not attractive. Apple has explored different methods to make this material look more attractive.
As early as January 2021, the company obtained a patent for a semi-gloss finish method for titanium. This patent is a technical patent that involves the process of combining sandblasting and etching with chemical anodizing processes to achieve the desired surface effect. Apple said that the former can better hide metal defects, while the latter can provide better protection.
Titanium material is heavier than aluminum, but it is much stronger than aluminum. Thinner materials can be used to achieve the same strength and hardness. Thus, the final result is that the titanium alloy shell will be lighter than the aluminum shell.
It is understood that the patent described the challenges posed by titanium alloy housings from the beginning. Portable electronic devices may include various operating components (for example, display screens, processors, antennas, etc.). The housing of these portable electronic devices can be formed of various metals (such as anodized aluminum, etc.), which have high strength and hardness to protect these operating parts. In addition, it is best to process these housings so that these housings have an attractive surface luster. However, although certain types of metals have high strength and stiffness, they are also difficult to process with attractive surface finishes. Thus, it is necessary to implement techniques for processing these specific types of metals.
The patent goes on to describe different methods of creating interesting textured surfaces. Confusingly, the patent describes it as a matte surface (titanium is matte in its natural state and is often polished).
Of course, Apple has a large number of patents, only a small part of which can be truly used in commercial products. And Patently Apple pointed out that this is already the eighth patent related to this material.
